January 2014

Asset allocation refers to the practice of an investment portfolio divided among different asset categories—one of Jason Hartman’s favorite things to talk about! These categories vary greatly, but three of the most common are cash, bonds, and stocks. Cash (and cash equivalents) are usually savings, certificates of...

Most companies that monitor credit rating charge between $15 and $20 per month, which can really add up if you’re just starting out. Their appeal is in the service they advertise—preventing credit fraud and identity theft seems like a great idea, certainly worth $200. Right? Probably not....

As the economy has changed, you may have noticed that it is more and more difficult to acquire any sort of credit, be it credit card, overdraft protection, or even a loan. Mortgage lending is no exception, and is even more unattainable, requiring excellent credit and a...

At some point, we’ve all decided (maybe for no apparent reason) that we’re ready to have a pet. Sometimes it’s because we’re lonely, or that new house is scary at night, or the puppies in front of the super market are just so darn cute. Pets are...

The inevitability of the world we live in now is such that every person must have a cell phone. In fact, the only people to maintain landlines are businesses and grandparents. And each month that bill comes, many of us are left wondering if we’re paying just...

Forbes estimates that the combined wealth of the world’s billionaires is now at 5.4 trillion—a pretty big number if you’re just a working stiff like us! While we’d all love to win the lottery and join their ranks, it’s probably not going to happen. Instead, we’re focusing,...

It’s the first week of the New Year, which means that a lot of us are thinking about how we can best be productive in the coming months. And, because many of us traveled or otherwise ignored work, we’re lost in a sea of emails that keeps...

When the New Year begins, we’re quick to establish a variety of goals for the coming year. For many, these goals involve losing weight, saving money, and completing educational experiences. For others, the new year is the perfect time to pursue the American dream of home ownership....

You’ve probably heard people talk about the importance of travel—how not traveling is one of their big regrets, or how one should travel, or how expensive travel can be. Each of these sentiments is likely true. Travel is rewarding and fun and undoubtedly expensive. As a young...

They’re everywhere you look—credit card applications making promises of reduced prices, extra points, and savings galore. While responsible credit management is a good idea (just ask Jason Hartman), credit cards are often confusing. More, your credit score can be confusing, which often prevents people from checking up...